Ikea to shut Coventry store with hundreds of jobs at risk

Ikea UK and Ireland boss Peter Jelkeby told Retail Week the 30,000 sq ft store was a “bespoke” model built over seven floors in 2007, but it is “just too big for the location now”.

The store is due to shut this summer and will result in 352 people entering a period of consultation with the aim to retain as many as possible within Ikea.

Jelkeby said the homeware retailer will support all affected colleagues in “finding a future” in nearby stores such as Nottingham, Milton Keynes and Birmingham.

Over the years, Ikea tried a number of initiatives to keep the store open such as adding more operational roles and looking at options to downsize or reconfigure the store, however, these weren’t “realistic options”.

The store in Coventry is one of 22 shops across the UK. More recently, Ikea has opened much smaller stores in city-centre locations such as Greenwich and Bromley to appeal to changing customer shopping habits.

Following the closure in the summer – the exact date will be announced – Ikea will explore alternative ways for local customers to shop with the retailer including click-and-collect points throughout Coventry. 

Jelkeby said: “The proposed closure of the store has not been an easy decision particularly given the impact it will have on our co-workers. I would like to thank our Coventry co-workers who have contributed enormously throughout this time.

“Although this isn’t an easy decision, this is the right decision for the long-term success of Ikea in the UK.

“At Ikea, we are constantly challenging ourselves to find ways to meet the needs of our customers and we will continue to try and test, investing in stores, fulfilment centres, city-centre formats and our digital capabilities to make Ikea even more affordable, convenient and sustainable.”